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Bernd Bauer to succeed Karl Kistler as CEO of Edelweiss Air

Bernd Bauer, currently Vice President Revenue Management, Pricing & Distribution at Swiss International Air Lines, is to succeed Karl Kistler as CEO of Edelweiss Air. The handover will be effected in the third quarter of this year. Karl Kistler, who is 61, wishes to put his responsibilities in new hands after 12 years at the Edelweiss helm.

Bernd Bauer, who is 48, will be able to draw on some 20 years of experience in the aviation sector in his new capacity. He can also look back already on a successful career in which he has held a range of executive positions at SWISS and its predecessor Crossair.

A native of Tübingen (Germany), Bernd Bauer studied business administration before embarking on his professional career by joining Crossair’s German sales organization. Two years later he transferred to Crossair Head Office in Basel, where he went on to hold various positions, especially within Network.

Following SWISS’s foundation in 2002 Bernd Bauer was instrumental in building up the new company’s Network unit, particularly following his appointment as Vice President Network & Fleet Development. In 2008 he moved to become Head of Sales & Marketing Europe; and he assumed his present position as SWISS Head of Revenue Management, Pricing & Distribution at the beginning of 2013.

Bernd Bauer is also well familiar with Edelweiss Air from the project to acquire the airline back in 2008.

“I am delighted that, in Bernd Bauer, we have found a highly experienced airline industry specialist who has demonstrated his expertise and his leadership credentials in his many years at SWISS to serve as our new Edelweiss Air CEO”, comments Harry Hohmeister, Chairman of the Board of Edelweiss Air. “I am convinced that, under his stewardship, Edelweiss Air will continue to evolve and enjoy further business success in the years ahead”, says Harry Hohmeister.

Charly Kistler will stay in the company at his own request, he will be returning to his pilot rank. “It is not yet time to say goodbye to Charly Kistler. But I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize his numerous achievements and his many years of dedication and commitment as our Edelweiss Air CEO”, says Harry Hohmeister.